VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
Thank you, Matias! – Whitecaps FC
Argentine Primera Division club Estudiantes de La Plata announced today that the club has signed Matias Laba, who leaves Vancouver Whitecaps FC after four seasons.
Vancouver Whitecaps Preseason: What we’ve learned so far – AFTN
We’re only three days into Vancouver Whitecaps preseason. What have we learned so far? Well, not a lot in all honesty, but we thought we’d bring you our first update of some of the stuff that we’ve seen up at UBC in these opening days of the ‘Caps 2018 training camp.
New Whitecap Efrain Juarez having fun on the run, delighted by Vancouver – The Province
The Mexican, who says he’s a midfielder and whose team says he’s a midfielder but who has spent much of his career as a right back, arrived in Vancouver last weekend.
Preseason storylines: Newbies no more – Whitecaps FC
Most of the talk surrounding Vancouver Whitecaps FC early this preseason has been around the new faces in camp – and rightfully so. There are a lot of them, including some potentially key pieces for the club moving forward.
How to get useless stats from preseason / How to make a statistician cry – AFTN
The term “They have had a good preseason” is sometimes laughed at, because preseason is seen as a meaningless set of results, only good for getting fitness levels to an acceptable levels. However, let us examine the facts, and see what if this preseason can tell us anything about what to expect. The ‘Caps usually pick a mixture of similar level opposition mixed with some teams they really should be beating. This year is no different.
Whitecap CanMNT players looking forward to meeting Herdman and getting to work – Red Nation Online
It’s been 18 days since John Herdman was named coach of Canada’s men’s national team. The initial shock and reaction was fierce as players, fans, and media were caught of guard by Canada Soccer’s announcement. In time, Canada’s women’s national team players took to social media to thank Herdman, and wish him well. There has not been much said from the players Herdman will now be coaching.
Report: Orlando City, Besiktas finally agree on transfer fee for Larin – NBC Sports
The Cyle Larin transfer saga may be finally coming to a close.
Orlando City: Cyle Larin transfer deal with Beşiktaş not done yet – Pro Soccer USA
“We haven’t anything new to report, and at this moment we didn’t agree [to] terms with Besiktas,” vice president of communications Diogo Kotscho told Pro Soccer USA Friday morning.
NE holdout Lee Nguyen breaks silence, reiterates desire to leave Revs – MLS
Lee Nguyen broke his silence since his offseason request for a trade and subsequent decision to hold out of New England Revolution camp, telling Paul Tenorio at ESPN FC that he’s paid his dues with the Revs and wants a different challenge at this point in his career.
Report: Danny Wilson to have medical ahead of Rangers exit; ‘jumped at chance’ of move from Ibrox – HITC
Rangers defender Danny Wilson is to have a medical with Colorado Rapids on Friday as he nears a second Ibrox exit, according to the Scottish Sun.
Philadelphia Union captain wants to ‘cause damage’ after Accam signing – SN
Philadelphia Union skipper Alejandro Bedoya believes the club’s acquisition of former teammate David Accam will help the side mount a stronger challenge in Major League Soccer.
DC United still looking at striker, but feel comfortable with current squad – MLS
Although D.C. United general manager Dave Kasper hopes to add a starting caliber attacker and defender before the season begins, he believes his team’s most pressing needs have already been addressed this winter.
Report: Toronto FC to sign Gregory van der Wiel to two-year deal – Waking the Red
After plenty of speculation (of dubious legitimacy), it looks like Toronto FC have indeed landed right back Gregory van der Wiel from Cagliari of Serie A. According to a report from Dutch outlet Telesport, the Netherlands international has signed a two-year contract with TFC, pending a medical.
Homegrown midfielder Liam Fraser preparing for his shot with Toronto FC – Toronto FC
With much of the first team intact after a treble-winning season, Toronto FC set about restocking for the 2018 season with some valuable youth signings.
Toronto FC draftee Tim Kubel fell out of love with soccer. Now the Borussia Dortmund product is eager to join Reds – Toronto Sun
Robert Lewandowski. Mats Hummels. Mario Gotze. Tim Kubel. One of these things is not like the other.
Seattle Sounders: Analyzing Seattle’s 2018 MLS SuperDraft Picks – MLS Multiplex
The MLS SuperDraft: A time where dreams come true and teams add depth to their rosters. The Seattle Sounders picked up three players in this year’s draft, one in each of the first three rounds. Here’s what to expect from these players moving forward:
MLS sets ceremony to announce Beckham’s Miami franchise – SN
David Beckham and MLS commissioner Don Garber will be on hand for an “important announcement” on Monday in South Florida, with the league set to confirm Miami as its 25th franchise.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
VISL Division 1 Upcoming Matches, January 26-28, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Week 16 is knocking on the door, and there is a possibility that some questions may be answered come late Saturday night when all the games have been played.
Vancouver city council to vote on agreement for FIFA World Cup bid – The Province
Vancouver city council will vote next week on whether to sign a deal in the city’s bid to become a FIFA World Cup host city.
VMSL Round-up: Leaders Rovers Tigers United lose but Pegasus can’t take advantage, as relegation battle heats up – AFTN
Last weekend’s results blew both ends of the VMSL Premier table wide open, with leaders Rovers Tigers United suffering their third loss of the season, and although second placed Pegasus FC couldn’t take full advantage, they did close the gap at the top a little and have the opportunity to take home the title if they can win out.
Sherwood setting soccer pace – Vernon Morning Star
Vernon’s Kaiden Sherwood turns 14 in February but she’s already been identified as a rising star by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX program.
Canadian legends Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil team up for Individualized Coaching Program – Dasovic-Neil Coaching
Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil have teamed up to provide training programs for players & coaches. The programs specialize in individual, positional, age, and gender specific training for players, with a combined technical and physical focus while providing education and mentorship opportunities for coaches to improve their skills and deepen their knowledge base.
PCSL CHALLENGE CUP PHOTOS: Vancouver Utd. 3, Mid-Isle Mariners 1, July 30, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
2016-2017 BC Soccer Year in Review – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is proud to release their 2016-2017 Year in Review after another successful year of soccer. The #respectall initiative, High Performance License, Club Charter Program activity, along with the delivery of hundreds of coaching courses and referee clinics this past year highlight some of the successes.
BC PROVINCIAL WOMEN’S A CUP PHOTOS: Surrey United 1 NSGSC Renegades 0, May 13, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
2017 VISL JACKSON CUP PHOTOS: Nanaimo Utd. 2 Cowichan LMG 1 (XT), April 2, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
FVSL PHOTOS: Pakenham Cup Final, PMO Rangers 1 PMO Lordco Gunners 0, April 1, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
Becoming a BC Soccer Referee – BCSA
Whether you are an experienced referee new to British Columbia or if you are new to the discipline of refereeing BC Soccer Assoc. has a clinic and a pathway for you. The minimum age to become a referee is 12 years old (small sided) and 14 years old (11-a-side). Please enjoy the short video showcasing some Referee programs that BC Soccer offers and continue below for more on how to become a referee in BC!
Free Physiotherapy Clinical Trial for Achilles Pain at UBC – UBC Centre for Hip Health & Mobility
Do you have Achilles pain? Interested in free Physiotherapy? If yes, join our clinical trial to look at the effectiveness of intramuscular stimulation (IMS), a form of acupuncture therapy, in treating Achilles tendon pain.
The BC Soccer Web Guide to Empire Field – BC Soccer Web
Empire Fields and Plateau Sports Park is the lofty and formal name given to Vancouver’s newest addition to the soccer scene. Yet, anyone who’s ever kicked or carried both kinds of footballs around these parts knows the place by heart.
Introducing BC Soccer Web Syndication – BC Soccer Web
You can now add BC Soccer Web news to your website simply by adding our new RSS Feed! Find out more.
Send your Soccer News to BC Soccer Web! – BC Soccer Web
BC Soccer Web is the hub for soccer in British Columbia. We want to share your soccer news with the entire province, and you can help by letting us know! We want your match reports, club news, league standings, and info on upcoming tournaments and clinics. Whether you submit links to existing news on the web, or your own original writing, we want to share it with the soccer community in B.C.
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada prepares for Semi-Final match versus Mexico at 2018 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship – CSA
With qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018 on the line, Canada Soccer’s Women’s U-20 team is preparing for Friday’s Semi-Final match versus Mexico where a win will automatically qualify Canada, and advance the team into the CONCACAF Championship Final match. A loss would force Canada into a critical must-win match for third place to qualify. Haiti and the USA face each other in the other Semi-Final match also to be played on Friday.
CU20W Preview: Canada v Mexico (Jan. 26, 2018) – CONCACAF
The second ticket to the 2018 CONCACAF Under-20 Women’s Championship final – and a place in the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup — will be at stake when Canada and Mexico meet in a final-four pairing on Friday at Ato Boldon Stadium.
Ballou Tabla – Barca’s New Prospect Could Make Canadian History – Futebolcidade
On Thursday Spanish giants Barcelona announced the signing of talented Canadian midfielder/winger Ballou Tabla from the Montreal Impact. It is in many ways a historic signing as Ballou Tabla could become just the second Canadian player to play in the Spanish La Liga after former Canadian national team player Julian de Guzmán, who played 97 games with Deportivo La Coruna.
Tabla’s move to Barcelona is met with a collective Canadian “meh” – the11.ca
On Thursday, the Montreal Impact announced that the transfer of Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla to Barcelona for an undisclosed fee. Now, of course, the cynic will point out that Tabla, like any young player, will start at Barcelona B. But, in terms of optics, it won’t matter if he starts with Barcelona X or Y or Z. He’s wearing that blue and red strip, and that means there’s a chance, for La Liga glory, right?
Queen’s University to Host Expanded 2018 Futsal Canadian Championship – Kingston Herald
Canada Soccer has announced this year’s Futsal Canadian Championship taking place at Queen’s University will feature an expanded list of eight teams from five provinces and two territories.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Taintor, Seiler Head to Republic FC – USL
Sacramento Republic FC announced on Thursday it had signed defenders Cole Seiler and Mitchell Taintor for the 2018 season, with club options for the 2019 season, pending league and federation approval.
State gives preliminary approval to finance Louisville City FC Butchertown stadium district – Courier-Journal
Louisville City FC’s plan to build a soccer stadium district in the Butchertown neighborhood took another step forward Thursday as the state gave preliminary approval to subsidize the development through tax-increment financing.
San Antonio Snaps up Lopez – USL
San Antonio FC announced on Friday it had signed midfielder Mikey Lopez for the 2018 USL season, bringing the former United States U20 international back to his home state. The signing is pending league and federation approval, and per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Drogba’s Phoenix sign another player from DR Congo giants Mazembe – African Football
Ghanaian defender Yaw Frimpong has secured a move to American side Phoenix Rising FC from DR Congo giants TP Mazembe.
The NASL’s international calendar problem – US Soccer Players
In the midst of a sanctioning battle with US Soccer, the NASL announced a switch to an international calendar that is impacting players.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Boston Breakers cease operations, will not compete in NWSL this season – Boston Herald
The Boston Breakers have ceased operations ahead of the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League season, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
Boston Breakers: 2001-2017 – The Equalizer
The oldest brand in North American women’s professional soccer is no more. The NWSL folded the Boston Breakers franchise on Thursday, a little more than a week after a deal fell through at the 11th hour that would have transferred ownership to a local ownership group. Players and staff were notified via email on Thursday. The league will operate with nine teams in 2018. An announcement is expected Friday.
Sky Blues Rise To W-League Summit – Sydney FC
Sydney FC has risen to the top of the W-League ladder following a hard fought 2-1 win against Melbourne Victory in the Big Blue.
Morgan Reid: Anatomy of a Student-Athlete – The Players’ Tribune
One week ago today, I got drafted to play pro soccer for the North Carolina Courage. It was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. But there’s a bit more to the story than just that.
NC Courage draft pick Morgan Reid writes about un-welcomed attention – Dirty South Soccer
Rather than receiving attention for her sporting or academic accomplishments, she became an internet sensation when Instagram photos of her at the beach or even in training led websites to objectify her for her looks. For the most part this came from sites like Barstool and Bro Bible, which are branded on this kind of content, but there was even a Detroit CBS News affiliate that made a post about her appearance.
Laura Harvey joins RSL for Preseason Training Stint in Herriman – RSL
After arriving to the club in November 2017, Utah Royals FC head coach Laura Harvey has been planning for the Utah side’s inaugural season. After signing United States Women’s National Team co-captain Becky Sauerbrunn, USWNT veteran Kelley O’Hara, and drafting two college players at the 2018 NWSL draft, Harvey has worked endlessly to finalize a roster, hire staff, and organize a preseason schedule before training in mid-February. What most teams do in a year, Laura Harvey has done in 90 days.
Nigeria hires Swedish coach Dennerby for Super Falcons – Xinhua
Nigeria has appointed Swedish national Thomas Dennerby as head coach of its national female soccer team, the Super Falcons, an official confirmed on Friday.
Manchester City merges men’s and women’s social media accounts – Prolific North
Manchester City have created a new campaign to promote women’s football. The Same City, Same Passion promotion marks four years since the relaunch of its women’s team.
Jamie Sherwood: Yeovil Town Ladies boss to step down at end of season – BBC Sport
The Lady Glovers are bottom of the table with six losses from six league games so far, but have been given a licence to stay in WSL 1 next season. That will see them train full-time and Sherwood, who has a full-time job in Wales, has opted to stand down.
What Phil Neville’s Hiring Says To Young Women Like Me – Huffington Post
Some have criticised Neville’s lack of experience, both in managerial roles and in women’s football itself. Regardless of his ability to lead, I can’t help but feel that his appointment says a lot about the status of women’s football in the eyes of the FA. They appear to be taking a huge chance on a very high-performing team – would they do the same if they were dealing with the men’s equivalent? Somehow, I think not.
England: FA says candidates for women’s manager job were ‘nervous’ over ‘media scrutiny’ – BBC Sport
Candidates for the England women manager’s job were “unwilling” to take the role because they were “nervous of the scrutiny” they thought would come with it, says Baroness Campbell.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Bob Lenarduzzi: Man’d (up) United to field strong FA Cup side – The Province
Get ready for more FA Cup action as the fourth round kicks off Friday.
Real Madrid heads to Valencia after an embarrassing elimination in the Copa del Rey – Toronto Star
In this European soccer weekend, Real Madrid faces Valencia, a team it has struggled against in recent years, while in Italy, it’s looking like a fight between Juventus and Napoli for the title.
Buffon back in Juventus squad ahead of 40th birthday – SN
Juventus have included Gianluigi Buffon in their squad for Saturday’s Serie A clash with Chievo in Verona.
Midfielder Joao Mario leaves Inter Milan for West Ham on loan – Sportsnet
Amid a crippling injury crisis, West Ham has signed Joao Mario on loan from Inter Milan after the Portugal international failed to live up to his promise in the Italian league.
CHAN enters knockout stages with Morocco leading the way – Inside World Football
Angola and Congo-Brazzaville booked the last spots for the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) as the tournament’s knockout stages begin this weekend.
OM and Thauvin in ‘steamroller mode’ for Monaco test – Ligue 1
Olympique de Marseille welcome Ligue 1 Conforama champions AS Monaco to the Orange Vélodrome on Sunday on a seven-game winning streak and with Florian Thauvin in frightening form.
Barcelona: Espanyol complain about Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets comments – BBC Sport
Pique appeared to mock Barca’s city rivals by describing them as “Espanyol de Cornella”. Cornella is the Barcelona suburb in which Espanyol’s ground sits.
Judge reopens match-fixing case involving Levante and Zaragoza – Sportsnet
A Spanish judge has reopened a match-fixing case involving a soccer game between Levante and Zaragoza from May 2011.
FIFA looking for a lawyer to help its lead ethics prosecutor – NBC Sports
FIFA is looking to recruit a lawyer with experience in South America to help its lead ethics prosecutor.
Venice attracts 30m tourists a year. Why do so few visit its football club? – The Guardian
Venice has sold a myth of itself to tourists for centuries, so why has no one ever never succeeded in promoting its football club?
Where to watch UEFA Futsal EURO 2018 – UEFA
You can watch UEFA Futsal EURO 2018 across Europe and the world thanks to UEFA’s broadcast partners and the live streaming of games on UEFA.com and our YouTube channel UEFA.tv.
Enfield Town take moral high ground and vote to turn down betting.net sponsor cash – Inside World Football
A part-time English team is going where bigger clubs fear to tread by taking a stand against betting sponsorship, partly because of the scourge of match-fixing pervading the sport.
Yorkshire football team set for debut in league of stateless peoples – The Guardian
Yorkshire’s first “international” football team will play its debut match on Sunday after being welcomed into a world league for repressed minorities, independent nations and stateless peoples.